Ners is right...

[NersEllenson]

I've seen a lot of recurring "Wojo is a my way or the highway guy" or "Wojo isn't flexible" talk from the Wojo sucks crowd.  First, if Wojo is inflexible what the hell was Buzz?!?!  Second, I know I'm painting with a broad brush but is this some sort of Millennial reaction to someone being in charge??

He doesn't take my feelings and opinions into account when he makes his decision.  He doesn't let me do what I want to do.  He makes us run when we don't want to run.

The man is running a multi-million dollar enterprise involving 18-23 year young adults at a high competitive level....I would hope Wojo has an absolute vision and is following it.  You have to decide what your core operating principles are and stick to them.

Just because he isn't malleable in a way the Wojo sucks crowd wants him to be doesn't mean he isn't.  Give me a specific example of how Wojo refused to flex when he should have flexed

He's played Derrick Wilson 30+ minutes every conference game to an amazing 3-10 record headed toward 4-14.

1.  Wojo is rigid and inflexible.

2.  Wojo learned under a coach who almost always plays man to man, and came in here intending to always play man to man.  After four games, he saw it wasn't working, so he surprised everyone by switching to zone.

3.  Wojo started JJJ and SC3 the first three games, and brought both Derrick and Duane off the bench.  Derrick didn't even get 20 minutes in either of the first two games.  Wojo saw something he didn't like, and soon inserted Derrick and Duane for JJJ and SC3.

Which of those statements is inconsistent with the others?

Ahh...Derrick was injured to start the year.  Derrick coming off the bench had NOTHING to do with Wojo's preferences.  And Derrick played 35 minutes in our third game in our epic loss at home against Number 257 Nebraska Omaha - whereby our guards REAPEATEDLY got blown by on dribble drive penetration.

Oh, and in the Nebraska Omaha game - JJJ was benched and relegated to 9 minutes - after getting 30+ his first two games.  And some wonder how a kids attitude might get affected - you play a great game in the season opener, struggle at Ohio State as the rest of the team did - and then you get 9 minutes in Game 3 of the year while watching your team lose to a new member to Division 1 basketball. 

[GooooMarquette]

Duane wasn't injured to start the year, and Derrick's injury had nothing to do with the switch to zone.

And JJJ still started the Omaha game once Derrick was healthy.  JJJ was sent to the bench after he had shot 2-8 (0-4 from 3) against Ohio State, and then missed his first shot against Omaha, making him 2 for his last 9 attempts.  And he wasn't making up for poor shooting with his ballhandling or defense....

[mu03eng]

He's played Derrick Wilson 30+ minutes every conference game to an amazing 3-10 record headed toward 4-14.

That has nothing to do with flexibility....unless of course you are claiming that Wojo plays Derrick for 30+ minutes in spite of knowing he had better options.  Is that your contention?

[NersEllenson]

Duane wasn't injured to start the year, and Derrick's injury had nothing to do with the switch to zone.

And JJJ still started the Omaha game once Derrick was healthy.  JJJ was sent to the bench after he had shot 2-8 (0-4 from 3) against Ohio State, and then missed his first shot against Omaha, making him 2 for his last 9 attempts.  And he wasn't making up for poor shooting with his ballhandling or defense....

You tried to argue that Wojo showed flexibility by NOT starting Derrick (and Duane) to start the season.  Please point out where I ever said Duane was injured??  Your point was irrelevant about Wojo NOT starting Derrick - because he was injured.  As soon as he was back at full strength - he got 35 minutes against UNO.

And FYI - Games are different entities.  And if you ridiculously believe shooting 2-8 on the road against a Top 20 team, and then missing your FIRST shot against UNO (while getting 1 steal and 1 blocked shot in 9 minutes) is grounds for a benching - well - it is pointless to engage in a discussion with you.

[NersEllenson]

That has nothing to do with flexibility....unless of course you are claiming that Wojo plays Derrick for 30+ minutes in spite of knowing he had better options.  Is that your contention?

Disagree.  Wojo had options - Duane and Carlino.  He chose Derrick, and he hasn't deviated/flexed all year long.  His call.  His choice.  But let's please stop with all of the excuses for why it is justifiable that this team, with what it entered the season with, in the way of talent is 3-10, and 11-14 overall - on its way to roughly a 12-18 finish.

We are rated 175th in Offensive Efficiency.  Coming off a year where we finished 96th in Offensive Efficiency, which was 44 spots worse than Buzz's 2nd worst O-Efficiency team.  Did Buzz just forget how to coach offense?  We had a top O-Efficiency player in the country on that team in Gardner, along with 2, NBA D-League players - with Mayo matching/bettering the numbers Vander Blue put up as a Junior.

But hey, lets keep pounding our head against the wall and REFUSING to try a different approach when we now have nearly 2 full seasons of data that show our offense is total and complete horse sh$t when piloted by Derrick Wilson for 30+ minutes per game.  Shocker. 

[mu03eng]

Disagree.  Wojo had options - Duane and Carlino.  He chose Derrick, and he hasn't deviated/flexed all year long.  His call.  His choice.  But let's please stop with all of the excuses for why it is justifiable that this team, with what it entered the season with, in the way of talent is 3-10, and 11-14 overall - on its way to roughly a 12-18 finish.

We are rated 175th in Offensive Efficiency.  Coming off a year where we finished 96th in Offensive Efficiency, which was 44 spots worse than Buzz's 2nd worst O-Efficiency team.  Did Buzz just forget how to coach offense?  We had a top O-Efficiency player in the country on that team in Gardner, along with 2, NBA D-League players - with Mayo matching/bettering the numbers Vander Blue put up as a Junior.

But hey, lets keep pounding our head against the wall and REFUSING to try a different approach when we now have nearly 2 full seasons of data that show our offense is total and complete horse sh$t when piloted by Derrick Wilson for 30+ minutes per game.  Shocker. 

Once again, you ignore the point.  Is your contention that Wojo played Derrick the minutes he did, because he knew he had better options but refused to select those?  This is a yes or no question, address it as such.

[MerrittsMustache]

Disagree.  Wojo had options - Duane and Carlino.  He chose Derrick, and he hasn't deviated/flexed all year long.  His call.  His choice.  But let's please stop with all of the excuses for why it is justifiable that this team, with what it entered the season with, in the way of talent is 3-10, and 11-14 overall - on its way to roughly a 12-18 finish.

Carlino is better off the ball and Duane isn't a PG. Derrick is the only true PG on the roster. He's by far the team's best ball-handler and he's the team's best perimeter defender. Ideally, he'd be a back-up playing 10-12 min/game but that's not the case. Sure, Wojo could let Carlino or Duane run the point but that would be to the detriment of the team so if he's going to do that, why not let Cohen or Steve run the point? Believe me, Wojo doesn't want to give Derrick 30+ minutes a game but there just isn't another option. He tried other options and they didn't work.

We are rated 175th in Offensive Efficiency.  Coming off a year where we finished 96th in Offensive Efficiency, which was 44 spots worse than Buzz's 2nd worst O-Efficiency team.  Did Buzz just forget how to coach offense?  We had a top O-Efficiency player in the country on that team in Gardner, along with 2, NBA D-League players - with Mayo matching/bettering the numbers Vander Blue put up as a Junior.

Vander Blue played nearly 40% more minutes per game than Todd Mayo. Mayo in no way matched or bettered Blue's stats. That's just flat-out wrong and you know it.

Derrick's numbers are similar to Cadougan's junior year so shouldn't this team be Sweet 16 bound?

But hey, lets keep pounding our head against the wall and REFUSING to try a different approach when we now have nearly 2 full seasons of data that show our offense is total and complete horse sh$t when piloted by Derrick Wilson for 30+ minutes per game.  Shocker. 

You're back to acting like Derrick is the sole problem with this team's offense. Carlino is the team's best offensive player. Who are the 3 next-best? Duane, who has been inconsistent and is shooting under 40%? JJJ who is also arguably the team's worst defender?  Fischer? Juan? Cohen? Who? This team has 1 player with a proven ability to create his own shot and score consistently. It's not like Derrick is holding back these other players from reaching their offensive potential. It's just not there.

[NersEllenson]

Once again, you ignore the point.  Is your contention that Wojo played Derrick the minutes he did, because he knew he had better options but refused to select those?  This is a yes or no question, address it as such.

My contention is that Wojo miscalculated how many problems go along with playing Derrick Wilson 30+ minutes per game.    My contention is that in Wojo's opinion, the team had its best chance at winning with Derrick playing PG 30+ minutes per game.  My firm belief, is that Wojo's opinion and decision on the matter was wrong, and at the the end of the day, our record speaks to the quality of his decision-making.  Again, it goes back to allocation of resources on the roster.

How would this lineup/depth charge have looked to start the year until Luke became eligible?

Duane/Derrick
Carlino/Dawson
JJJ/Dawson
Burton/Steve
Juan/Steve

[willie warrior]

Carlino is better off the ball and Duane isn't a PG. Derrick is the only true PG on the roster. He's by far the team's best ball-handler and he's the team's best perimeter defender. Ideally, he'd be a back-up playing 10-12 min/game but that's not the case. Sure, Wojo could let Carlino or Duane run the point but that would be to the detriment of the team so if he's going to do that, why not let Cohen or Steve run the point? Believe me, Wojo doesn't want to give Derrick 30+ minutes a game but there just isn't another option. He tried other options and they didn't work.

Vander Blue played nearly 40% more minutes per game than Todd Mayo. Mayo in no way matched or bettered Blue's stats. That's just flat-out wrong and you know it.

Derrick's numbers are similar to Cadougan's junior year so shouldn't this team be Sweet 16 bound?


You're back to acting like Derrick is the sole problem with this team's offense. Carlino is the team's best offensive player. Who are the 3 next-best? Duane, who has been inconsistent and is shooting under 40%? JJJ who is also arguably the team's worst defender?  Fischer? Juan? Cohen? Who? This team has 1 player with a proven ability to create his own shot and score consistently. It's not like Derrick is holding back these other players from reaching their offensive potential. It's just not there.

Here are the team's best offensive players:
1.Carlino
1a. Duane
3. Fischer
4. JJJ
5. Sandy
6. Steve
7. Juan
8. Derrick.
Eighth of 8 does not justify 35 minutes per game.

[mu03eng]

My contention is that Wojo miscalculated how many problems go along with playing Derrick Wilson 30+ minutes per game.    My contention is that in Wojo's opinion, the team had its best chance at winning with Derrick playing PG 30+ minutes per game.  My firm belief, is that Wojo's opinion and decision on the matter was wrong, and at the the end of the day, our record speaks to the quality of his decision-making.  Again, it goes back to allocation of resources on the roster.

How would this lineup/depth charge have looked to start the year until Luke became eligible?

Duane/Derrick
Carlino/Dawson
JJJ/Dawson
Burton/Steve
Juan/Steve

OK, point being, Wojo isn't inflexible he's just wrong.  That's fine, but don't use Derrick as an example of Wojo being inflexible.  So I ask again, can you give me an example of where Wojo was inflexible?  This is a repeated theme from you and TW and I'd like it settled.

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

My contention is that Wojo miscalculated how many problems go along with playing Derrick Wilson 30+ minutes per game.    My contention is that in Wojo's opinion, the team had its best chance at winning with Derrick playing PG 30+ minutes per game.  My firm belief, is that Wojo's opinion and decision on the matter was wrong, and at the the end of the day, our record speaks to the quality of his decision-making.  Again, it goes back to allocation of resources on the roster.

How would this lineup/depth charge have looked to start the year until Luke became eligible?

Duane/Derrick
Carlino/Dawson
JJJ/Dawson
Burton/Steve
Juan/Steve

This is actually your most clear and concise post on this topic. Honestly.

I don't agree with you, but you're very clear and logical here. No narratives. No rampant speculation.

You should just post this in your signature, and then never bring it up again. We all understand now.

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

Ai na?  Hahaha

Hmmm... My bad... but you get the idea.

[NersEllenson]

Carlino is better off the ball and Duane isn't a PG. Derrick is the only true PG on the roster. He's by far the team's best ball-handler and he's the team's best perimeter defender. Ideally, he'd be a back-up playing 10-12 min/game but that's not the case. Sure, Wojo could let Carlino or Duane run the point but that would be to the detriment of the team so if he's going to do that, why not let Cohen or Steve run the point? Believe me, Wojo doesn't want to give Derrick 30+ minutes a game but there just isn't another option. He tried other options and they didn't work.

Vander Blue played nearly 40% more minutes per game than Todd Mayo. Mayo in no way matched or bettered Blue's stats. That's just flat-out wrong and you know it.

Derrick's numbers are similar to Cadougan's junior year so shouldn't this team be Sweet 16 bound?


You're back to acting like Derrick is the sole problem with this team's offense. Carlino is the team's best offensive player. Who are the 3 next-best? Duane, who has been inconsistent and is shooting under 40%? JJJ who is also arguably the team's worst defender?  Fischer? Juan? Cohen? Who? This team has 1 player with a proven ability to create his own shot and score consistently. It's not like Derrick is holding back these other players from reaching their offensive potential. It's just not there.

So Duane isn't capable of playing PG?  Why?  Because he can shoot the ball, create shots, take shots, make plays?  Notice that the trend in the game is that you have playmaking/shooting PGs?  Lillard.  Westbrook. Rose. Parker. Kemba Walker.  Napier.  Harrison.

JJJ, arguably the teams worst defender??  LOL.  He's arguably the best.  Rarely fouls.  Forces turnovers at a high rate, and teams overall defensive metrics are FAR better when he plays 20+ minutes.

And as for Mayo/Vander - yes, Buzz inexeplicably played Mayo for only 55% of the available minutes last year - yet Mayo shot the ball better (from everywhere - 2's, 3 and FT line) as a junior than Vander, score the ball at a higher rate, assisted at a higher rate, rebounded at a higher rate, stole the ball at a higher rate.

And yet you and the others who took up for Buzz all of last year, and Derrick of course, also refuse to reject the actual reality that Mayo was every bit the player Vander Blue was as a junior.

And the whole tired argument of "there just isn't another option to run PG" got really old last year, yet I could go along with that, yet now you and the others once again are using that argument - and it simply is NOT true.

[MerrittsMustache]

My contention is that Wojo miscalculated how many problems go along with playing Derrick Wilson 30+ minutes per game.    My contention is that in Wojo's opinion, the team had its best chance at winning with Derrick playing PG 30+ minutes per game.  My firm belief, is that Wojo's opinion and decision on the matter was wrong, and at the the end of the day, our record speaks to the quality of his decision-making.  Again, it goes back to allocation of resources on the roster.

How would this lineup/depth charge have looked to start the year until Luke became eligible?

Duane/Derrick
Carlino/Dawson
JJJ/Dawson
Burton/Steve
Juan/Steve

Duane isn't a PG.
Dawson was in over his head.
Burton playing big minutes at the 4 would have been disastrous.
Juan at the 5 would have been even more disastrous.

This line-up would have allowed a ton of points, been highly TO-prone, had awful offensive efficiency and would have gotten killed in the post and on the boards.

No matter how you slice it, this team needs Derrick to be the PG. It's not ideal but it's better than the alternatives.

[NersEllenson]

OK, point being, Wojo isn't inflexible he's just wrong.  That's fine, but don't use Derrick as an example of Wojo being inflexible.  So I ask again, can you give me an example of where Wojo was inflexible?  This is a repeated theme from you and TW and I'd like it settled.

I'm baffled by how and what hairs you are trying to split here...he has been inflexible.  He's refused to deviate his allocation of PT at PG - even when the losses mount up at a rate not seen since the Bob Dukiet.  To me, that reeks of inflexibility - or perhaps ego - to actually make the change and potentially* see the team perform much better and have to deal with the notion that you were wrong the whole season up to that point.  Much like Buzz last year.  Don't think for a minute coaches at this level don't have HUGE egos and when they are keenly aware their is unrest in the fanbase with their minute allocation decisions - deviating from that, and actually seeing the team potentially perform much better becomes an ego-centric issue.

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

Duane isn't a PG.
Dawson was in over his head.
Burton playing big minutes at the 4 would have been disastrous.
Juan at the 5 would have been even more disastrous.

This line-up would have allowed a ton of points, been highly TO-prone, had awful offensive efficiency and would have gotten killed in the post and on the boards.

No matter how you slice it, this team needs Derrick to be the PG. It's not ideal but it's better than the alternatives.

This isn't going anywhere.

We have a fundamental disagreement. Ners was clear in his opinion. You disagree. (so do I)

We don't need to relieve this 50 times again. (myself included).

Maybe we can all move on?

[NersEllenson]

Duane isn't a PG.
Dawson was in over his head.
Burton playing big minutes at the 4 would have been disastrous.
Juan at the 5 would have been even more disastrous.

This line-up would have allowed a ton of points, been highly TO-prone, had awful offensive efficiency and would have gotten killed in the post and on the boards.

No matter how you slice it, this team needs Derrick to be the PG. It's not ideal but it's better than the alternatives.

I see an entire post above based on opinion, after opinion, after opinion, after opinion - when the FACTS that we absolutely know beyond a shadow of a doubt are:  NO MATTER HOW YOU SLICE IT OUR TEAM HAS BEEN AND ALWAYS WILL BE A LOSER AND AWFUL FROM AN OFFENSIVE EFFICIENCY STANDPOINT WITH DERRICK WILSON "NEEDING TO BE THE PG."

Also, forgot to post the stats for you to educate yourself with regard to Mayo vs Vander...

http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/compare?add=todd-mayo&i=1&p1=vander-blue

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

I'm baffled by how and what hairs you are trying to split here...he has been inflexible.  He's refused to deviate his allocation of PT at PG - even when the losses mount up at a rate not seen since the Bob Dukiet.  To me, that reeks of inflexibility - or perhaps ego - to actually make the change and potentially* see the team perform much better and have to deal with the notion that you were wrong the whole season up to that point.  Much like Buzz last year.  Don't think for a minute coaches at this level don't have HUGE egos and when they are keenly aware their is unrest in the fanbase with their minute allocation decisions - deviating from that, and actually seeing the team potentially perform much better becomes an ego-centric issue.

See, why did you have to post this?

Now you're getting weird again.

Wojo has adapted throughout the season (changed defenses, changed starters, plays guys when they are hot, started to play Cohen more, etc.).

He hasn't benched Derrick, (which is what you want), but that doesn't mean he's inflexible. It just means he thinks Derrick at PG is the correct move.

You disagree with Wojo, which is fine. BUT, just because you don't like it doesn't mean Wojo is inflexible. We don't know what kind of stuff they are trying in practice. We don't sit in on meetings. We don't have enough input.

[MerrittsMustache]

This isn't going anywhere.

We have a fundamental disagreement. Ners was clear in his opinion. You disagree. (so do I)

We don't need to relieve this 50 times again. (myself included).

Maybe we can all move on?

You're right. I'm moving on.

Ners' complete and total buffoonery has sucked me back in so I'm taking a break from Scoop for a while.

Happy Easter everyone!

[NersEllenson]

You're right. I'm moving on.

Ners' complete and total buffoonery has sucked me back in so I'm taking a break from Scoop for a while.

Happy Easter everyone!

I assume this type of post was going to occur, given that you wouldn't have any logical or rational rebuttal for what I just posted in reply to your total and complete opinion piece.  I feel for all of you guys who have backed yourselves into a corner trying to purport and float the continued narrative that we absolutely HAVE to have Derrick Wilson playing 30+ minutes at PG.  If I were trying to support that argument, I know it would make me insane because there is no rational, nor logical evidence to support the position.

But, Happy Easter Merritt.  Probably a good move at this point to take a hiatus from the board like Sultan did last year for Lent, after it was evident there was just going to be more of the same egg on the face to have to deal with here with regard to seriously flawed takes.

[mu03eng]

I'm baffled by how and what hairs you are trying to split here...he has been inflexible.  He's refused to deviate his allocation of PT at PG - even when the losses mount up at a rate not seen since the Bob Dukiet.  To me, that reeks of inflexibility - or perhaps ego - to actually make the change and potentially* see the team perform much better and have to deal with the notion that you were wrong the whole season up to that point.  Much like Buzz last year.  Don't think for a minute coaches at this level don't have HUGE egos and when they are keenly aware their is unrest in the fanbase with their minute allocation decisions - deviating from that, and actually seeing the team potentially perform much better becomes an ego-centric issue.

I'm "splitting hairs" because if you think Wojo intentionally played Derrick knowing he had better options that would be grounds for firing for me and is just crazy talk from you.  If you don't think he did it intentionally, then it is a difference of opinion between you and him....which is fine, I don't agree with you but you can have that opinion and we move on.

I'm coming to the conclusion that you are irrational and forcing facts to meet your narrative.  That's fine, but not what I'm on Scoop for.

[BM1090]

Here are the team's best offensive players:
1.Carlino
1a. Duane
3. Fischer
4. JJJ
5. Sandy
6. Steve
7. Juan
8. Derrick.
Eighth of 8 does not justify 35 minutes per game.

Agree with 1,2,3, and 8. Not sure how JJJ is 4. He has the worst three point percentage and overall shooting percentage on the team, and also commits the most TO's per 40 mins.

[NersEllenson]

I'm "splitting hairs" because if you think Wojo intentionally played Derrick knowing he had better options that would be grounds for firing for me and is just crazy talk from you.  If you don't think he did it intentionally, then it is a difference of opinion between you and him....which is fine, I don't agree with you but you can have that opinion and we move on.

I'm coming to the conclusion that you are irrational and forcing facts to meet your narrative.  That's fine, but not what I'm on Scoop for.

Based on reading this post, I'm actually questioning your rationality and attempt to force facts to meet your narrative.

You said there isn't an example of Wojo being inflexible - I provided one.  You then go on a weird hair spliting endeavor to try to refute the notion that:  Wojo CHOSE to be inflexible with regard to changing his minute allocation at PG.

He could have done so at any time.  Even with the loss mounting, and continued data showing we are AWFUL with regard to Offensive Efficiency - he refuses to alter his strategy on the offensive end.

I never said Wojo is "intentionally" playing Derrick knowing he had better options.  Simply saying Wojo is proving to be inflexible to NOT try something else when it is clear it aint working doing the same thing at PG Buzz tried last year.

[mu03eng]

Based on reading this post, I'm actually questioning your rationality and attempt to force facts to meet your narrative.

You said there isn't an example of Wojo being inflexible - I provided one.  You then go on a weird hair spliting endeavor to try to refute the notion that:  Wojo CHOSE to be inflexible with regard to changing his minute allocation at PG.

He could have done so at any time.  Even with the loss mounting, and continued data showing we are AWFUL with regard to Offensive Efficiency - he refuses to alter his strategy on the offensive end.

I never said Wojo is "intentionally" playing Derrick knowing he had better options.  Simply saying Wojo is proving to be inflexible to NOT try something else when it is clear it aint working doing the same thing at PG Buzz tried last year.

OK fine you don't think he did it intentionally, so that means it is a difference of opinion, Wojo thinks Derrick is the best option, you don't.  Fine.  But it doesn't make him inflexible.

What is another example of him being inflexible?  Other than Derrick?

[willie warrior]

Duane isn't a PG.
Dawson was in over his head.
Burton playing big minutes at the 4 would have been disastrous.
Juan at the 5 would have been even more disastrous.

This line-up would have allowed a ton of points, been highly TO-prone, had awful offensive efficiency and would have gotten killed in the post and on the boards.

No matter how you slice it, this team needs Derrick to be the PG. It's not ideal but it's better than the alternatives.

Duane isn't a PG? You don't know that! You are guessing. He played PG on HS.
Burton playing big minutes at the 4 would be disastrous? Maybe in some games, but you don't know that. Again a guess.
Juan at the 5--you have that one right.
Many people gave posted that Derrick is a role player/should have his minutes reduced. He can still play PG. You are missing the point. He does not warrant 35 minutes a game. Closer to 20. Any way you slice it!!!